Museveni Bans Food and Drinks at Campaign Rallies, Citing Budget and Propaganda Concerns
In a significant shift in campaign strategy, top officials of Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) have confirmed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has prohibited the serving of food and drinks at all his presidential campaign rallies.
The decision, which has left some party sections discontented, was reportedly driven by two primary factors. According to NRM sources, President Museveni recently reviewed his campaign budget and found it exceeding planned expenditures. The cost of catering for large crowds was identified as a major contributor to the budget overrun.
Furthermore, sources reveal the President expressed concern over potential political exploitation by opponents. He specifically noted that supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and other rivals could spread “malicious propaganda” online. The feared narrative is that attendees come to NRM rallies primarily for the refreshments rather than to engage with the party’s message of “Protecting The Gains” of his long administration.
The move has reportedly caused friction within the party’s upper echelons. Key figures who previously managed the substantial budget for food, drinks, and entertainment are said to be unhappy with the new directive. Among those mentioned is the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahare, who is identified as one of the leaders controlling that budget stream.
This change marks a departure from a longstanding practice in Ugandan politics, where rallies often feature some form of refreshment for attendees. The decision underscores the increasing focus on campaign finance management and the potent role of social media perception in modern electioneering, even for a veteran campaigner like President Museveni.
The NRM is yet to release an official public statement on the internal campaign policy change. The 2021 general election season in Uganda has been closely watched, with opposition candidates, particularly NUP’s Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), drawing large crowds and facing their own challenges, including arrests and alleged intimidation.
About The Author
